Yoga Framework Assistant

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system is disclosed for assisting people with Yoga related postures and exercises in the space above the yoga mat. The apparatus includes one or more Resting Pads (includes a bar and handles under the top pad) that are used in the space above the Yoga Mat (the Z and Y-axis.) Resting Pads are approximately the width of the yoga mat and can be adjusted from the ground level to 6 ft. high or higher to help assist with yoga style postures and exercises. The apparatus is placed around the yoga mat with gridlines on the yoga mat and in the space above the yoga mat to assist users with adjustments and for visual reference points while performing exercises or postures while using the yoga mat.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/690333, filed Jun. 25, 2012 and titled APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING WITH YOGA STYLE POSTURES AND EXERCISE IN THE SPACE ON AND ABOVE THE YOGA AT MAT (X, Y AND Z-AXIS).

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to exercise and stretching equipment and, in particular, to a multipurpose exercise and stretching apparatus which allows a participant, regardless of the exercise or stretching motion being performed, to always stretch in a preferred ergonomic and physiologically acceptable fashion.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typical yoga mats are approximately 24″ wide by 72″ long, though they may vary in size. The yoga mats are typically used alone or with a chair, block or other devise(s) to help users with yoga postures and exercises (e.g., a chair). The yoga mat offers the ability for people to exercise and perform postures by using standing, sitting and many other positions that use natural gravity by positioning or by applying downward force on the yoga mat.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus and system is disclosed for assisting people with Yoga related postures and exercises. The apparatus includes one or more resting pads (includes a bar and handles under the top pad) that are used in the space above the yoga mat (the Z and Y-axis.) Resting Pads are approximately the width of the yoga mat and can be adjusted from the ground level to 6 ft. high or higher to help assist with yoga style postures and exercises. The apparatus is placed around the yoga mat to assist users while performing exercises or postures while using the yoga mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a yoga mat having a measurement grid.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a yoga mat.

FIG. 3A is a view of a rest pad over a bar of the yoga framework and a handle and strap attached to the bar.

FIG. 3B is a view of the rest pad and handle and strap attached to the bar of the yoga framework, showing different actions the user can take with the rest pad and handle.

FIG. 3 c shows different ways the rest pad, bar and handle can be engaged by the user's arms.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the position of the rest pads and bars of the yoga framework over the yoga mat.

FIG. 5A shows the working area for the yoga framework where the rest pads can be located above the yoga mat along the Y and Z axes of the yoga framework.

FIG. 5B shows a top view of two rest pads and bars of the yoga framework at different locations along the Y axis over the yoga mat.

FIG. 6 shows different positions that the rest pads and bars of the yoga framework can be positioned at above the yoga mat.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of one embodiment of a yoga framework positioned over a yoga mat and allowing positioning of rest pads of the framework at different locations along the Y and Z axis of the framework.

FIG. 7B shows a front view of the yoga framework of FIG. 7A showing adjustment of the positioning of one rest pad and bar of the framework in the Z axis.

FIG. 8A shows a user in a downward dog yoga pose with a rest pad positioned in the front hip area to adjust the posture of the user during the pose.

FIG. 8B shows a user in a Warrior III yoga pose with rest pads of the yoga framework used to support a leg and an arm of the user during the pose.

FIG. 8C shows a user in another yoga pose with a rest pad positioned to support the user's lower back and an arm of the user during the pose.

FIG. 8D shows a user in hanging style backbend yoga pose with rest pads of the yoga framework used to support the user's legs and arms during the pose.

FIG. 8E shows a user in another hanging yoga pose with rest pads of the yoga framework used to support the user's legs and arms during the pose.

FIG. 8F shows a user in a modified pushup position, where the user can push down on a rest pad of the yoga framework.

FIG. 8G shows a user hanging from a bar of the yoga framework.

FIG. 9 shows a flexible or nonflexible cord with a holding device or handle that can be attached to a connection loop of the yoga framework.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a yoga mat 100 with a width W of 24 inches and a length L of 72 inches. However, the yoga mat 100 can have other sizes. The yoga mat 100 can have a measurement grid 110. The grid 110 can provide reference lines (or reference points) to help users see and record progress toward more difficult or desired moves, postures or exercises. In use, the user stands, sits or holds other positions on the yoga mat 100, thereby pressing on the mat 100 and applying a downward force on the mat 100, as shown on FIG. 2.

A yoga framework 200 (see FIG. 7A) can be placed above the yoga mat 100 and around the yoga mat 100. In one embodiment, the framework 200 can be fixed to a floor. In another embodiment, the framework 200 can be portable that can be carried and placed by the user over the yoga mat 100 during use. The framework 200 can have a base frame 210, a front vertical frame 220 and a rear vertical frame 230. Therefore, the yoga framework 200 utilizes the space above the yoga mat (e.g., cube area) along the horizontal Y axis and vertical Z axis to assist users with yoga related poses and exercises. At least the front vertical frame 220 can be movably coupled to the base frame 210 and can move forward and backward along the base frame 210 to vary the distance between the front vertical frame 220 and the rear vertical frame 230 along a Y axis. The front vertical frame 220 can have a rest pad assembly 300 that can include a rest pad 310, a bar 320 under the rest pad 310 and a handle and strap 330 attached to the bar 320 (See FIGS. 3A-3B), where the rest pad assembly 300 can be adjusted up, down, frontward and or backward (see FIG. 7A). In one embodiment, a lever under the rest pad 310 can be actuated by the user to release the rest pad assembly 300 from a fixed position on the front vertical frame 220 and allow the rest pad 310 to be moved to a desired location along the Y axis or Z axis (see FIG. 6). Alternate release mechanisms cans be used as well, including pins or other types of locking or moving type fasteners known in the art to move and fix the rest pad assembly 300 at a desired location on the Y and Z locations. The front and rear vertical frames 220, 230 can allow the adjustment of the red pad assembly 300 along a height of 6 feet along the Z axis. However, the framework 200 can have other heights. Looking at yoga mat 100 from the front, as in FIG. 7B, the rest pad assembly 300 runs approximately the width of the yoga mat 100 (e.g., between two bars or rails of the front vertical frame 220, between two bars or rails of the rear vertical frame 230) and can be adjusted up, down, frontward and/or backward.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, the rest pad 310 of the rest pad assembly 300 can be a soft pad to allow the user to rest body parts (e.g., arms, feet) on the rest pad 310 while exercising or doing a yoga pose. The rest pad 310 can also be grabbed by the user and allow the user to pull or push the rest pad 310 in a horizontal way. The rest pad 310 can be exchanged quickly for different size or shape pads depending on user need (e.g., rest pad 310 can be detached from bar 320 and replaced with different rest pad 310 that is attached to bar 320). The bar 320 is disposed under the rest pad 310 and can be grabbed by the user (e.g., pulled on, as in seated pull-ups). The handle and strap 330 can be attached to the bar 320 (or attached directly to the rest pad 310), where the user can also grab onto the handle to pull down on the handle and strap 330. FIG. 3C shows embodiments of how the user can use the rest pad assembly 300. For example, the rest pad 310 can support a user's forearm thereon, or a user can grab onto the bar 320, or grab onto the handle portion of the handle and strap 330. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, a handle and strap 330′ can be connected to a connection loop 240 of the framework 200 and include a flexible or nonflexible cord 332 detachable from the connection loop, and a handle 334 attached to the cord 332.

FIG. 4 shows a user using the yoga framework 200 having two rest pad assemblies 300 (one on the front vertical frame and one on the rear vertical frame), where the rest pad assemblies 300 are positioned at 3 feet above the yoga mat 100 and are adjustable up and down the vertical Z axis and forward and backward along the horizontal Y axis so that the rest pad assemblies 300 can be placed at any intersection point on the Z and Y axes. In the illustrated embodiment, one rest pad assembly 300 supports the user's hands and the other rest pad assembly 300 supports the user's feet while in a yoga pose.

FIG. 5A shows the cube area above the yoga mat 100 or working space that the yoga framework 200 provides via the positioning of the rest pad assemblies 300 at intersecting points on the vertical Z and horizontal Y axes. In the illustrated embodiment, one rest pad assembly 300 is at the top Z-axis location of the framework 200 and another rest pad assembly 300 at the bottom of the framework 200. As discussed previously, the rest pad assemblies 300 can be moved up and down and front to back to get the desired support position (vertical Z and horizontal Y axis intersection). The framework 200 can have two or more rest pad assemblies 300 that can be placed at any point on the vertical Z-axis and horizontal Y-axis, with typical use being one or two rest pad assemblies 300. The framework 200 can also allow the rest pad assemblies 300 to be slid to the ends of the frame work (e.g., by moving the front vertical frame relative to the base frame, as in FIG. 7A) so that the yoga mat 100 can be used alone without rest pad assemblies 300. FIG. 5B shows a top view of two rest pad assemblies 300 of the framework 200 that can be adjusted frontward and rearward along the horizontal Y-axis. FIG. 6 shows four examples of different positions that the rest pad assembly 300 can be moved to within the framework 200 along the horizontal Y-axis and vertical Z-axis.

The framework 200 allows the use of the horizontal X-axis, the horizontal Y-axis and the vertical Z-axis (see FIG. 5A, 6) as measurement points to help the user gauge performance and improvement in yoga related postures, exercise and physical therapy. The yoga mat 100 has reference points and a grid for this use (see FIG. 1) to provide visual reference points to the user while performing postures or exercises while using the yoga mat 100. The reference points on the framework 200 are determined by selected positions (e.g., of the rest pad assemblies 300 on the framework 200), which could be at intervals of 6 inches, though the intervals can be smaller or larger, to provide the user with visual reference points during use of the framework 200. By having X, Y and Z reference points, users and trainers are able to remember or record past measurement points so that users will know how they are progressing toward more difficult or desired moves, postures or exercises.

Instruction materials can be provided along with the yoga framework 200 to instruct the user on how to use the framework 200. In one embodiment, programs for users are provided on different yoga style exercises and postures while using the yoga framework 200. For example, while in Downward Dog (FIG. 8A), one Rest Pad can be positioned in the front hip area to adjust the posture to a desired level. A second example would be the Warrior III pose, where two rest pad assemblies 300 can be used to support the leg and arm (FIG. 8B). In another example, the user can bend backward, supporting their arms on one rest pad assembly 300 and their arched back on another rest pad assembly 300 (FIG. 8C). Yoga postures can also be modified and enhanced with the yoga framework 200. For example, a user can do a hanging style backbend the opposite way by hanging (FIG. 8D). In another pose, the user can hang off the framework, with their arms hanging from one rest pad assembly 300 and their feet supported on another rest pad assembly 300 (FIG. 8E). Another example is pushing down on the rest pad assembly 300 while doing elevated pushups (FIG. 8F). Another example would be for the user to hang from one bar using their arms (FIG. 8G). While these are only a few examples of the yoga assisted postures and modified yoga postures or exercise moves, the yoga framework 200 can assist the user with currently known yoga related postures and exercises, as well as, many other previously unseen postures and exercises that can be developed and used with the framework 200. Instructions and training programs can also include reference points on the X, Y and Z-axis of the framework 200 to help users to progress to more difficult or desired moves in a methodical way to avoid over exertion and possible injury from moving to difficult or desired moves too quickly. 

1. (canceled)
 2. A yoga practice system, comprising: a yoga mat having a width and length configured to support one or more limbs of a user during practice of yoga, a surface of the yoga mat having a grid thereon and one or more reference points to indicate user progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose; and a framework positionable over the yoga mat, the framework having one or more rest pad assemblies configured to support one or more of the user's limbs during a yoga pose, the position of the one or more rest assemblies adjustable along the horizontal Y axis and the vertical Z axis to a plurality of set positions within a space defined by the framework above the yoga mat along the horizontal Y axis, a horizontal X axis perpendicular to the Y axis, and along the vertical Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes.
 3. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies each comprise a rest pad, a bar disposed below the rest pad, and a handle and strap attached to the bar or rest pad.
 4. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework comprises a base frame positionable over the yoga mat, a front vertical frame and a rear vertical frame, wherein one or both of the front and rear vertical frames is movably coupled to the base frame and can be moved forward and backward along the base frame to vary the distance between the front vertical frame and rear vertical frame along the horizontal Y axis, the one or more rest pad assemblies coupled to one or both of the front and rear vertical frames and movable along the front and rear vertical frames to a plurality of fixed positions along the vertical Z axis.
 5. The yoga system of claim 4, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies can be adjusted to a plurality of positions along the vertical Z axis between the yoga mat and a top of the framework, and including a release mechanism actuatable to unlock and lock the one or more rest pad assemblies in a desired location along the vertical Z axis.
 6. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework is portable by the user.
 7. The yoga system of claim 2, further comprising a handle and flexible cord or nonflexible cord attachable to the framework.
 8. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies extends along the width of the yoga mat.
 9. The yoga system of claim 3, wherein the rest pad comprises a soft pad and can support a user's limb thereon, be pulled or be pushed by the user during a yoga pose.
 10. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework is configured to support the user's entire weight, allowing the user to hang from the framework during an exercise pose.
 11. The yoga system of claim 2, wherein the framework comprises reference points to assist the user in gauging performance and progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose.
 12. A yoga practice system, comprising: a framework positionable over a yoga mat, the framework having one or more rest pad assemblies configured to support one or more of a user's limbs during a yoga pose, the position of the one or more rest assemblies adjustable along the horizontal Y axis and the vertical Z axis to a plurality of set positions within a space defined by the framework above a support surface along the horizontal Y axis, a horizontal X axis perpendicular to the Y axis, and along the vertical Z axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes.
 13. The yoga system of claim 12, further comprising a yoga mat having a width and length configured to support one or more limbs of a user during practice of yoga, a surface of the yoga mat having a grid thereon and one or more reference points to indicate user progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose, wherein the framework is positioned over the yoga mat.
 14. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies each comprise a rest pad, a bar disposed below the rest pad, and a handle and strap attached to the bar or rest pad.
 15. The yoga system of claim 13, wherein the framework comprises a base frame positionable over the yoga mat, a front vertical frame and a rear vertical frame, wherein one or both of the front and rear vertical frames is movably coupled to the base frame and can be moved forward and backward along the base frame to vary the distance between the front vertical frame and rear vertical frame along the horizontal Y axis, the one or more rest pad assemblies coupled to one or both of the front and rear vertical frames and movable along the front and rear vertical frames to a plurality of fixed positions along the vertical Z axis.
 16. The yoga system of claim 15, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies can be adjusted to a plurality of positions along the vertical Z axis between the yoga mat and a top of the framework, and including a release mechanism actuatable to unlock and lock the one or more rest pad assemblies in a desired location along the vertical Z axis.
 17. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the framework is portable by the user.
 18. The yoga system of claim 13, wherein the one or more rest pad assemblies extends along the width of the yoga mat.
 19. The yoga system of claim 14, wherein the rest pad comprises a soft pad and can support a user's limb thereon, be pulled or be pushed by the user during a yoga pose.
 20. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the framework is configured to support the user's entire weight, allowing the user to hang from the framework during an exercise pose.
 21. The yoga system of claim 12, wherein the framework comprises reference points to assist the user in gauging performance and progress in positioning their limbs while performing a yoga pose. 